Here are some questions for Scott Margetts, General Manager and PGA Advanced Professional at The Golf Rooms, that delve deeper into his expertise and experience:
1. With over 30 years of coaching experience, what major changes have you seen in golf instruction techniques?
The biggest changes I see would be
i) much more evidence-based coaching. Using a modern launch monitor to establish clear data alongside the eye of an experienced Professional has changed the way customers and coaches understand the game and
ii) far more awareness and development of physical training within an individual’s limitations. Either by scaling expectations, or enhancing the physical training in association with skill development, players are establishing clear pathways for improvement at every level.
2. How do you tailor your coaching methods to suit golfers of varying skill levels, from beginners to senior professionals?
Interestingly, the main principles applied do not change, but the personal experience for an individual will vary greatly. Some coaches do have expertise in certain areas, for example younger beginners will benefit from the experience that Director of Golf James Irons and Mark Bell PGA Professional have had working together on The Golf Rooms junior programme.
That being said all of my colleagues have experience working with a broad range of players and adjusting their delivery to the individual – check out our golf lessons web page.
For me, The first step is to establish any past experience, thoughts and questions the individual can provide alongside any relevant limitations. With this in place, I like to establish reasonable, achievable goals for the individual and to work in stages – one step at a time – to enhance our enjoyment of the game.
3. Can you share a memorable success story from your coaching career at The Golf Rooms?
One good example would be working with a senior gentleman who has been struggling with his game. His friends criticised his slow play and he struggled to fit in with the culture of his Club. We firstly established any relevant limitations and a good data set of launch conditions for his play. We then adjusted the setup of his clubs and recorded a clear list of distances to be expected from a clean strike. This kind of ‘gapping’ session alone has brought significant gains. We have then alternated between playing full size golf courses on the Simulators one week, to focused skills another week and testing the skills and processes required at an appropriate speed of play. The gentleman is now consistently asked back to play by his friends and is able to enjoy competing in social competitive events every week at his Club!
4. How do you integrate technology, like the Golfzon simulators, into your training sessions?
My preference is to constantly keep progressing / varying the challenges in use every week. For example, we have a driving range for general practice then I would use various modes within the Simulator software:
i) Chip and Putt mode enables us to play a championship course like St Andrews but from less than 100 yards on every hole.
ii) amongst the 250 golf courses on the system we can select a number of 18 holes Par 3 courses with holes up to 200 yards. Or there are a number of courses designed just for junior players!
iii) playing a Scramble format with the coach enable the PGA Instructor to boost play as we collaborate at every stage, or indeed step aside and allow the player to have more than one attempt at key shots as we go along.
iv) Stroke format is the final stage, allowing the player to attempt 18 holes on one of 250 golf courses worldwide with courses up to 10000 yards long!
5. What advice would you give to someone struggling to improve their game despite regular practice?
Come and discuss your options with us at The Golf Rooms. We are currently offering a free 30 minute assessment where we can find out more about you and your needs and advise accordingly.
6. How do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments in golf coaching?
We have continuing professional development standards through the PGA and attend relevant courses and conferences throughout the year to stay up to date. Then on a daily basis players and coaches all over the world are constantly posting on social media! We all are able to follow their thoughts and feelings on latest equipment and golf technique and many post lessons with clients to share their methods. Follow us on our socials and feel free to ask an questions you may have there.
7. What is your approach to mental conditioning and focus in golf training?
There are significant benefits to discussing elements of mindset with experienced players and coaches. Some of our Members’ events with PGA Tour Player Oli Fisher have been so insightful, from simple processes to enhance concentration, to discussions of mindset and handling pressure in Tournament play, this area of sports psychology and performance can be incredibly significant for us all.
8. Can you describe the performance pathways you have developed and how they benefit your students?
Some examples here would be the pathways developed by my colleagues for the Junior Eagles squad. Mark and James have worked with this growing group over the last few years. We have up to twenty boys and girls ranging in age from twelve to fifteen years of age and are proud to see now established young adults enjoying and producing some fantastic golf. All have achieved a standard good enough to become Junior Members of Wyke Green Golf Club and continue to develop!
Additionally over a significant amount of years we have introduced hundreds of adult golfers to the game and individually seen so many join local clubs in the local community.
9. How do you balance indoor simulator training with traditional outdoor practice?
This is important and a key ingredient for The Golf Rooms development plans. At the right time we take clients to Wyke Green Golf Club for playing lessons on the course and practice areas there. We can demonstrate the effect of goals set during our indoor sessions as we see performance on the course. And indeed, new topics like dealing with sloping lies can be simulated back at The Golf Rooms using the dynamic tilting platforms within the bay structure.
10. What are your goals for the future of The Golf Rooms and its community?
Essentially your question is spot-on. Developing a Community of active golfers is the key. We are keen to meet and host groups of new players and are actively reaching out to participate in lifestyle programmes with local companies. We are keen to engage with ongoing development plans for intermediate players and facilitate social golfing activities for every level both for individuals and for groups. As we are able to introduce players to Wyke Green Golf Club we are already able to evidence these players forming new groups and embarking upon their own golfing journey. And we aim to keep listening and developing as we go.
